The United States has strengthened its military ties with Côte d’Ivoire by approving the transfer of 12 M36 PUMA armored vehicles to the Ivorian Army.
Last May, the United States and the European Union (EU) pledged to support the country’s armed forces, with the EU by way of a €15 million Euro “assistance measure.
Also, the United States pledged $45 million in new funding to support the security and stability of West African countries facing regional threats, such as terrorism, piracy, and illicit trafficking.
The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Cote d’Ivoire on 22 and 23 January, where he met with President Alassane Ouattara and discussed bilateral and regional issues.
Training Underway for Ivorian Forces
The U.S. Africa Command has already kicked off training programs for the Ivorian military, starting in last December. The focus is on equipping drivers and mechanics with the skills needed to operate and maintain these advanced vehicles over the long term.
According to the U.S., “This training, which began in December, focuses on equipping FACI drivers and mechanics with the skills necessary to operate and maintain these vehicles for the long term.” The sessions cover safe driving practices, preventive maintenance, and comprehensive repair procedures, ensuring the Ivorian forces can fully utilize this new asset.
The delivery of these armored personnel carriers, paired with hands-on training, underscores the collaborative efforts between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire to bolster regional security. This partnership gained further prominence in 2024, when the Pentagon identified Côte d’Ivoire as a potential site for new Navy bases following the closure of bases in Niger. These bases aim to tackle pressing challenges across Africa, including terrorism, maritime piracy, and cross-border smuggling.
The M36 PUMA: A Robust Armored Vehicle
The M36 PUMA belongs to the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) class, designed to withstand tough conditions. It boasts mine protection level 4b and meets STANAG 4569 ballistic protection standards, making it a reliable choice for combat zones.
Built on an Indian truck chassis by Ashok Leyland, the vehicle is powered by a 220-horsepower, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine (HA 57L 165). It features a manual ZF 6S 850 GB transmission with six forward gears and one reverse. Standard features include air conditioning, power steering, and individual mine-protection seats, blending functionality with crew comfort.
This isn’t the first instance of the U.S. providing M36 PUMA vehicles to African nations. In 2022, the United States delivered 24 of these armored vehicles to allied forces in Somalia, Senegal, and Benin, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing security across the continent.
As Côte d’Ivoire integrates these M36 PUMA vehicles into its military operations, the collaboration with the United States signals a shared dedication to addressing West Africa’s security challenges.